Finding a BB - 73x100

[figbat]

My erstwhile FrankenTrek gravel bike is still on its original BB from 1997 - it is one of only two parts that survived the frame's rebuilding process (along with the seat post). It is starting to get a bit loose now and a touch noisy under some circumstances (a very light squeal). According to the spec sheet I have, the originally-fitted BB is a Shimano BB-LP26, 73mm wide, 110mm axle length, square-taper. I'm led to believe that despite being described as "sealed", this BB is a serviceable cup-and-cone type but nonetheless I have been searching for a replacement BB anyway as it'll no doubt be worth having on hand.

The BB-UN55 was available in this size but is like rocking horse droppings. The BB-UN300 doesn't come in this size. Any other options? I'd prefer not to change the crankset as this bike was built on a budget and I have the square taper crank arms and chainring. The UN-300 has a 73x113 option, so only 3 mm out. To be honest I didn't pay any attention to chainline when I built the bike (other than eyeballing it), I simply slapped a single-ring crankset on it and it runs perfectly fine. It is mated to a 10-speed 11-42T cassette.

I have found a couple of shops claiming to have the BB-UN55 in stock, but the websites were suspiciously similar to each other (here and here) - however both shops appear to be real. Any feedback on these shops welcome.

 

[fossyant]

I've just gone to 73 x 113 with a UN300 - from 73 x 110 - no difference as the specs for the chainset say 110 to 113 axel. All that was needed was a slight trim to the front mech.

 

[T4tomo]

I've done what i would do and see if teh address exists on streetview and both appear kosher with a bike shop in full view - they both have telephone numbers so I would just speak to them. 73mm sq taper are getting hard to find...

 

[figbat]

I've just gone to 73 x 113 with a UN300 - from 73 x 110 - no difference as the specs for the chainset say 110 to 113 axel. All that was needed was a slight trim to the front mech.

Sounds promising, thanks.

 

[figbat]

I've done what i would do and see if teh address exists on streetview and both appear kosher with a bike shop in full view - they both have telephone numbers so I would just speak to them. 73mm sq taper are getting hard to find...

Yeah, I Google stalked them too and found what you did. I might try and grab a UN55 anyway as they are so well-respected.

 

[vickster]

I have found a couple of shops claiming to have the BB-UN55 in stock, but the websites were suspiciously similar to each other (here and here) - however both shops appear to be real. Any feedback on these shops welcome.

Why not just call them up and ask if they have what you need? One has a physical address in Edinburgh and one in Gateshead (the Team website looks more detailed in terms of company history). Pay with a credit card obviously

 

[figbat]

I went with the Teams Cycles option and it arrived today. Only what arrived is not what I ordered nor paid for…

Yes, it’ll fit and no doubt work but having specifically ordered a UN55 and there being no notification that a substitution would be made, I’m a bit miffed. The UN-26 is a cheaper BB - this box has been opened and the UN26 put in it.

Email dispatched, update to follow.

 

[Roseland triker]

£10 refund required

 

[figbat]

To their credit they have responded within the hour, apologised and offered a refund for the difference or a full refund on return of the item, at my discretion. Less miffed now.

 

[figbat]

Further credit to them - £12 now refunded. Not an ideal transaction but quickly and easily dealt with.